Multi-purpose sandpaper design and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

Multi-purpose sandpaper sheets and rolls are disclosed that include: at least four corners, wherein at least one of the at least four corners has a rounded or non-squared configuration, a plurality of abrasive materials, a backing material, wherein the plurality of abrasive materials are affixed to the backing material; and at least one perforation, score or combination thereof, wherein the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof allows the sheet to be folded on a straight line along the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof. Sandpaper rolls and dispensers are also disclosed herein. In addition, multi-purpose sandpaper sheets and rolls are disclosed that include: at least four corners, a plurality of abrasive materials, a backing material, wherein the plurality of abrasive materials are affixed to the backing material; and at least one perforation, score or combination thereof, wherein the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof allows the sheet to be folded on a straight line along the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof.

This United States Utility Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/979955 filed Apr. 15, 2014, which is commonly owned and incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE SUBJECT MATTER

The field of the subject matter is multi-purpose sandpaper design and its various uses, specifically wet-sand and dry-sand sandpaper applications.

BACKGROUND

When performing body repair work on motor vehicles, boats or other vehicles where paint is applied to a metal, plastic or fiberglass surface, often times a portion of the body of the vehicle must be painted or repainted, so that the vehicle looks as though it has its original paint and has not been repaired. As part of the painting process, the shop must wet-sand the newly applied paint, primer or sealer to make it look as though it hasn't been just applied, but was a part of the original paint (as closely as possible).

Auto body workers are currently painting and finalizing the repair work by using sheets of wet-sand sandpaper in various grits (most commonly used are 300 to 3000 grit). A current industry standard sheet 100 is a 9″×5′5″ (occasionally 9″×11″) rectangular shape, where the sheet 100 has 90 degree sharp corners 110, as shown in Prior Art FIG. 1. Shop experts fold these sheets 2 times (tri-fold) in order to improve strength and to have better control over the wet sanding procedure when using standard sanding blocks, or their bare hands. This leaves them with a work surface of 3″×5.5″ of actual sanding surface. In most contemplated wet-sand sandpaper, the abrasive material composition comprises aluminum oxide or silicon carbide.

As mentioned, all currently available sheets of sandpaper are a simple rectangular shape. When sanding, the 90° sharp corners of the sand paper can leave nicks in or damage the freshly applied coat of paint, since the sanding motion is back and forth. When folding the sand paper, the 90° corners get even stronger and less pliable (as by folding, the thickness of the sand paper has doubled), thus increasing the chances of nicks in the freshly applied paint, sealer and/or primer.

Therefore, it would be ideal to design and provide a new multi-purpose sandpaper product that allows the shop body experts and other professionals who use sandpaper to easily fold and use them, while at the same time providing a clear system that minimizes, if not altogether eliminates, unwanted nicks in and damage to the freshly applied paint or other sanded surfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE SUBJECT MATTER

Multi-purpose sandpaper sheets and rolls are disclosed that include: at least four corners, wherein at least one of the at least four corners has a rounded or non-squared configuration, a plurality of abrasive materials, a backing material, wherein the plurality of abrasive materials are affixed to the backing material; and at least one perforation, score or combination thereof, wherein the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof allows the sheet to be folded on a straight line along the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof.

In addition, multi-purpose sandpaper sheets and rolls are disclosed that include: at least four corners, a plurality of abrasive materials, a backing material, wherein the plurality of abrasive materials are affixed to the backing material; and at least one perforation, score or combination thereof, wherein the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof allows the sheet to be folded on a straight line along the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof.

A roll comprising a plurality of multi-purpose sandpaper sheets coupled to one another is also contemplated, wherein each sheet comprises: at least four corners, wherein at least one of the at least four corners has a rounded or non-squared configuration, a plurality of abrasive materials, a backing material, wherein the plurality of abrasive materials are affixed to the backing material; and at least one perforation, score or combination thereof, wherein the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof allows the sheet to be folded on a straight line along the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof.

A sandpaper dispenser comprising a plurality of multi-purpose sandpaper sheets coupled to one another is also disclosed, wherein each sheet comprises: at least four corners, wherein at least one of the at least four corners has a rounded or non-squared configuration, a plurality of abrasive materials, a backing material, wherein the plurality of abrasive materials are affixed to the backing material; and at least one perforation, score or combination thereof, wherein the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof allows the sheet to be folded on a straight line along the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

A current industry standard sheet is a 9″×5′5″ (occasionally 9″×11″) rectangular shape, where the sheet has 90 degree sharp corners, as shown in Prior Art FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 2A, contemplated multi-purpose sandpaper designs and sheets 200 have 12 rounded corners 210 with an identical or reasonably identical radius, thus eliminating the 90° sharp corners in existing sand paper and eliminating the chance of creating nicks in the paint. This figure also shows two sets of perforations or scores 220 that allow the paper to be easily and reliably “straight-folded”.

FIG. 2B shows contemplated multi-purpose sandpaper sheet 200 having 8 rounded corners 210 and one perforation or score 220. Contemplated embodiments comprise any radius on the corners, as long as the corner radii are approximately evenly matched and as long as the corner radii are designed so that they do not contain sharp corners or are designed such that any sharp corners are not those areas of the sandpaper that come in contact with the surface to be sanded.

FIG. 3 shows another contemplated multi-purpose sandpaper design sheet 300 where the corners on one side are all rounded 310 and the corners on the other side are not rounded 330. The perforations or score lines 320 are also show in this figure.

In FIG. 4, a roll 400 of sheets 410 are shown, wherein the sheets 410 have rounded corners 420 and perforations or scores 430. The sandpaper sheets 410 can be separated at the scores 430 to pull off exactly how much of the sandpaper sheets 410 are needed.

In FIG. 5, a dispensing system 500 of sheets 510 are shown, wherein the sheets 510 have non-rounded corners 520 and perforations or scores 530. The sandpaper sheets 510 can be separated or dispensed in the same way tissues are dispensed and then the sandpaper sheets 510 can be folded at the scores or perforations 530 as needed.

FIG. 6 shows another contemplated multi-purpose sandpaper design sheet 600 where the corners not rounded 610. The perforations or score lines 620 are also shown in this figure.

DESCRIPTION

A new multi-purpose sandpaper product has been designed that allows the shop body experts, or any other professionals who use sandpaper, to easily fold and use them, while at the same time providing a clear system that minimizes, if not altogether eliminates, unwanted nicks in and damage to the freshly applied paint. Contemplated embodiments can be utilized in any industry that requires wet-sand sanding and detail work. Other contemplated embodiments can be utilized in any industry that requires dry-sand sanding and detail work.

Specifically, multi-purpose sandpaper sheets and rolls are disclosed that include: at least four corners, wherein at least one of the at least four corners has a rounded or non-squared configuration, a plurality of abrasive materials, a backing material, wherein the plurality of abrasive materials are affixed to the backing material; and at least one perforation, score or combination thereof, wherein the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof allows the sheet to be folded on a straight line along the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof.

In addition, multi-purpose sandpaper sheets and rolls are disclosed that include: at least four corners, a plurality of abrasive materials, a backing material, wherein the plurality of abrasive materials are affixed to the backing material; and at least one perforation, score or combination thereof, wherein the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof allows the sheet to be folded on a straight line along the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof.

A roll comprising a plurality of multi-purpose sandpaper sheets coupled to one another is also contemplated, wherein each sheet comprises: at least four corners, wherein at least one of the at least four corners has a rounded or non-squared configuration, a plurality of abrasive materials, a backing material, wherein the plurality of abrasive materials are affixed to the backing material; and at least one perforation, score or combination thereof, wherein the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof allows the sheet to be folded on a straight line along the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof. Rolls that are contemplated herein will be arranged like a roll of toilet paper or paper towels.

A sandpaper dispenser comprising a plurality of multi-purpose sandpaper sheets coupled to one another is also disclosed, wherein each sheet comprises: at least four corners, wherein at least one of the at least four corners has a rounded or non-squared configuration, a plurality of abrasive materials, a backing material, wherein the plurality of abrasive materials are affixed to the backing material; and at least one perforation, score or combination thereof, wherein the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof allows the sheet to be folded on a straight line along the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the individual sandpaper sheets are arranged in the dispenser similar to tissues arranged in a Kleenex box, wherein they are overlapping and designed to pull a new sheet up when the current sheet is dispensed.

As shown in FIG. 2A, contemplated multi-purpose sandpaper designs, and sheets 200 have 12 rounded corners 210 with an identical or reasonably identical radius, thus eliminating the 90° sharp corners in existing sand paper and eliminating the chance of creating nicks in the paint. This figure also shows two sets of perforations or scores 220 that allow the paper to be easily and reliably “straight-folded”, along with the abrasive surface 240 that comprises a plurality of abrasive materials, as one of ordinary skill in the art of sandpaper design would understand.

FIG. 2B shows contemplated multi-purpose sandpaper sheet 200 having 8 rounded corners 210 and one perforation or score 220. Contemplated embodiments comprise any radius on the corners, as long as the corner radii are approximately evenly matched and as long as the corner radii are designed so that they do not contain sharp corners or are designed such that any sharp corners are not those areas of the sandpaper that come in contact with the surface to be sanded.

FIG. 3 shows another contemplated multi-purpose sandpaper design sheet 300 where the corners on one side are all rounded 310 and the corners on the other side are not rounded 330. The perforations or score lines 320 are also shown in this figure.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 shows contemplated sheets as provided on a roll or in a dispenser. In FIG. 4, a roll 400 of sheets 410 are shown, wherein the sheets 410 have rounded corners 420 and perforations or scores 430. The sandpaper sheets 410 can be separated at the scores 430 to pull off exactly how much of the sandpaper sheets 410 are needed.

In FIG. 5, a dispensing system 500 of sheets 510 are shown, wherein the sheets 510 have non-rounded corners 520 and perforations or scores 530. The sandpaper sheets 510 can be separated or dispensed in the same way tissues are dispensed and then the sandpaper sheets 510 can be folded at the scores or perforations 530 as needed.

FIG. 6 shows another contemplated multi-purpose sandpaper design sheet 600 where the corners not rounded 610. The perforations or score lines 620 are also shown in this figure.

The sheets having 12 corners are those that are single sheets that are designed to be tri-folded. Also, the newly designed sand paper has folding lines, scores or perforations to indicate where the user has to fold it. This new design creates 3 clearly indicated sanding surfaces measuring about 3″×5.5″, all with rounded corners and sharp folded sides. Contemplated sheets may also have 8 corners and be designed to be folded once, thus having one scored or perforated line on the sheet. It should be understood that contemplated sheets may comprise multiple scores or perforated lines designed to allow the user to fold the single sheet in order to use it with the requisite rounded or non-sharp corners. It should be understood that contemplated corners of sheets may also be non-rounded, but also not at a 90 degree angle, such as a sheet wherein the corner of the paper comprises two 120 degree angles connected by a straight line, which may be viewed as a bevel.

In some embodiments, the multi-purpose sandpaper may be double-sided, in that both sides of the paper have an abrasive surface; however, it is contemplated that the sandpaper disclosed herein may also be single-sided, wherein the abrasive surface is only on one side, as is with conventional sandpaper. These embodiments will allow the shop body experts to use each sheet for longer periods of time, thus saving resources.

In addition, contemplated multi-purpose sandpaper may comprise any suitable abrasive material or combination of materials, depending on the needs at the time, the resources available, the types of paint being used and the types of surfaces where the paint is being applied. In some contemplated embodiments, abrasive materials may comprise aluminum oxide, semi-friable aluminum oxide, silicon carbide or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the grit size may range from extra coarse, coarse, medium, fine, very fine or micro grits, such as very fine, extra fine, super fine and ultra-fine or combinations thereof. These grit sizes are generally classified under the CAMI (Coated Abrasive Manufacturers Institute) system or the FEPA (Federation of European Producers of Abrasives) systems but the grit levels outlined above are all contemplated.

In some contemplated embodiments, the multi-purpose sandpaper contemplated herein can be packaged, stored and/or sold in rolls. In these embodiments, the shop body experts need only take as many sheets off of the roll as needed, much like toilet paper or paper towels. In these embodiments, the perforations are designed to be used to not only fold the strips to fit the sandpaper blocks, but also to allow the user to detach a fixed number of sheets from the bulk roll.

In other contemplated embodiments, the multi-purpose sandpaper may comprise an adhesive backing material that covers a portion of or all of the back of the sheet or sheets, wherein the adhesive backing material is designed to allow the user to adhere the sheet to another surface for easier use or specific applications.

As described herein, multi-purpose sandpaper that is contemplated herein may be used in wet-sand sandpaper applications, dry-sand sandpaper applications or a combination thereof. As such, if the contemplated sandpaper is designed to be used for wet-sand sandpaper applications, the paper should be waterproof or at least designed such that the underlying material doesn't degrade or fall apart when water is applied or used.

Thus, specific embodiments and methods of a multi-purpose sandpaper design and uses thereof have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the disclosure herein. Moreover, in interpreting the specification and claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. 

We claim:
 1. A multi-purpose sandpaper sheet, comprising: at least four corners, wherein at least one of the at least four corners has a rounded or non-squared configuration, a plurality of abrasive materials, a backing material, wherein the plurality of abrasive materials are affixed to the backing material; and at least one perforation, score or combination thereof, wherein the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof allows the sheet to be folded on a straight line along the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof.
 2. The multi-purpose sandpaper sheet of claim 1, wherein the backing material is waterproof.
 3. The multi-purpose sandpaper sheet of claim 1, wherein the sandpaper sheet is utilized for wet-sand applications.
 4. The multi-purpose sandpaper sheet of claim 1, wherein the sandpaper sheet is utilized for dry-sand applications.
 5. The multi-purpose sandpaper sheet of claim 1, comprising at least two corners not having a squared configuration.
 6. The multi-purpose sandpaper sheet of claim 1 comprising at least four corners not having a squared configuration.
 7. The multi-purpose sandpaper sheet of claim 1, comprising at least eight corners, wherein four of the corners are adjacent to the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof.
 8. The multi-purpose sandpaper sheet of claim 7, wherein at least four of the corners comprise a rounded configuration.
 9. The multi-purpose sandpaper sheet of claim 1, comprising at least twelve corners and two perforations, scores or a combination thereof, wherein four corners are adjacent to each of the perforation, score or combination thereof.
 10. The multi-purpose sandpaper sheet of claim 9, wherein at least six of the corners comprise a rounded configuration.
 11. A roll comprising a plurality of multi-purpose sandpaper sheets coupled to one another, wherein each sheet comprises: at least four corners, wherein at least one of the at least four corners has a rounded or non-squared configuration, a plurality of abrasive materials, a backing material, wherein the plurality of abrasive materials are affixed to the backing material; and at least one perforation, score or combination thereof, wherein the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof allows the sheet to be folded on a straight line along the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof.
 12. The roll of claim 11, wherein the plurality of sheets are connected to one another through a perforation, a score or a combination thereof.
 13. The roll of claim 11, wherein the plurality of sheets are coupled to one another in a partially overlapping formation or configuration.
 14. A sandpaper dispenser comprising a plurality of multi-purpose sandpaper sheets coupled to one another, wherein each sheet comprises: at least four corners, wherein at least one of the at least four corners has a rounded or non-squared configuration, a plurality of abrasive materials, a backing material, wherein the plurality of abrasive materials are affixed to the backing material; and at least one perforation, score or combination thereof, wherein the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof allows the sheet to be folded on a straight line along the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof.
 15. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein the plurality of sheets are coupled to one another in a partially overlapping formation or tissue-box configuration.
 16. A multi-purpose sandpaper sheet, comprising: at least four corners, a plurality of abrasive materials, a backing material, wherein the plurality of abrasive materials are affixed to the backing material; and at least one perforation, score or combination thereof, wherein the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof allows the sheet to be folded on a straight line along the at least one perforation, score or combination thereof.
 17. The multi-purpose sandpaper sheet of claim 16, wherein the backing material is waterproof.
 18. The multi-purpose sandpaper sheet of claim 16, wherein the sandpaper sheet is utilized for wet-sand applications.
 19. The multi-purpose sandpaper sheet of claim 16, wherein the sandpaper sheet is utilized for dry-sand applications. 